Public projects
LasKaP
Development of a laser canthoplasty hand piece for dry eye therapy
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection is funding the project “Development of a laser canthoplasty hand piece for dry eye therapy” as part of the Central Innovation Program Mittelstand (ZIM).
The research project with the research partners A.R.C. Laser GmbH, Düsseldorf University Eye Clinic and the Medical Laser Center Lübeck aims to develop a minimally invasive, effective laser method for the treatment of eyelid laxity in the early stages and the associated evaporative dry eye. The laser applicator is to be used to treat Meibomian gland dysfunction once effective lower eyelid tightening has been demonstrated.
The working group has already gained extensive experience in clinical research into the treatment of diseases of the eyelid and ocular surface as well as dry eye. Preliminary work has shown that eyelid tension can be increased by means of laser coagulation of the lateral lower eyelid and thus the same principle of action can be achieved ex vivo in a minimally invasive manner as open, i.e. incisional, surgery (lateral palpebroplasty, wedge excision). In order to establish the technique of laser canthoplasty, a handpiece for laser application is now to be realized and evaluated ex and in vivo in a pre-clinical study. The laser canthoplasty method will then be tested in a prospective clinical study.
The treatment method could also be used for other indications, such as for the treatment of obvious eyelid malpositions (eversio puncti lacrimali, entropion, ectropion) or – after additional dosimetry, functional and histological examinations – possibly for direct irradiation of the Meibomian glands, so that there is potential for a substantial expansion of the range of indications for the development.
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